A civil servant, a voluntary community worker, a planner officer and a businessman in Brent have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Robert Devereaux has been made knight (pic: DWP website)Robert Devereaux has been made knight (pic: DWP website) (Image: Archant)

Roy Croasdaile, from South Kilburn, has been made an MBE for his services to combating gang crime across London.

Mr Croasdaile is the vice chairman of Brent’s Independent Advisory Group, chairman of Brent’s Stop and Search Scrutiny Panel, a member of his local ward panel and the Safer Neighbourhood Board and also sits on the board of the Trident Independent Advisory Group.

In addition he gives advice and guidance to the police, local authority and several non-governmental organisations about how they can tackle crime among young people.

In the last 12 years he has undertaken all those voluntary roles while holding down two jobs as a health and safety advisor at the College of North West London and as a senior manager for a construction and engineer company.

He told the Times: “When I received the letter from the marked urgent and personal I thought ‘oh no what now’ presuming that it was a call to support community safety issues again; but now at the highest level.

“My mouth dropped to the floor when I read it and I had to sit down.

“I sat there reflecting on a 12 year journey of voluntary community work, all the different situations, training, meetings, operation briefings, discussions and altercations. Then I realised that this is just the beginning of a new phase of this incredible journey and now it my turn to be scrutinised!

“I have been reflecting on all the people that have appreciated my support from first aid casualties to high ranking officials and I immediately decided to accept the honour not just for myself but also for all those who have encouraged and supported me so far and others that do what I do.

“Also, to use the honour as a vehicle to promote the outstanding work that goes on behind the scenes by people who are steadfast and give from the heart.”

Robert Devereux, a permanent secretary of the Department for Work and Pensions, has been knighted for his services to transport and welfare and for voluntary service in Kilburn.

Mr Devereux, who has worked as a civil servant in four departments, including the Overseas Development Administration and HM Treasury, oversaw the controversial overhaul of the welfare reforms.

He also proceeded over the approval of the high speed railway project Crossrail.

He has volunteered for over 40 years, as a youth worker, school governor, with his local church and on the management board of two charities.

Zameer Mohammed Choudrey founder of company Bestway which is based in Park Royal has been made a CBE for services to the UK wholesale industry and charity in the UK and abroad.

Brent resident Alice Lester has been made an MBE for services to planning.

She is a programme manager at the Planning Advisory Service.

Are you a Brent resident or do you work in the borough and you have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List?

If so email lorraine.king@archant.co.uk.